ST. PAUL, MN â€“ SEPTEMBER 11: David Steckel of the Minnesota Wild poses for his official headshot for the 2013-2014 season on September 11, 2013 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy King/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Steckel *** Local Caption *** David Steckel

The Wild released David Steckel from his pro tryout, the team announced Friday.

Steckel, a veteran of 419 NHL games, wasn’t able to land a contract with an NHL team prior to training camp, a likely casualty of the salary cap decreasing about $6 million after last season. He spent training camp with the Wild on a tryout.

Steckel is a 6-foot-6 center with a reputation as a good two-way forward and faceoff specialist. But the Wild don’t want to block a roster spot for one of their talented young forwards.

Steckel might end up signing an American Hockey League contract, which would allow him to sign an NHL contract if one becomes available during the season.

Briefly

The Wild called up goalie Johan Gustafsson on Friday to back up Josh Harding that evening and then go back to the AHL following the game, a person close to the situation said.

Chad Graff joined the Pioneer Press in April of 2013 -- long enough to cover three straight Wild playoff exits at the hands of the Blackhawks -- after working for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Boston Globe. He's lived in California and Texas, but most recently spent a decade in New Hampshire. He watched New England fans celebrate seven championships in his time there, yet somehow his only sports allegiance lies with Nebraska football.

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